TERMS OF REFERENCE   (to be completed by Hiring Office)

Hiring Office:

UNFPA Turkmenistan Country Office

Title:

NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT FOR

VIDEO PRODUCTION ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 

The background and purpose of consultancy:

UNFPA is one of the UN’s lead agencies working to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, with the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices being one of UNFPA’s three global transformative results. UNFPA’s gender programmes offer a multi-sectoral response to GBV, promoting the right of all women and girls to live free of violence and abuse through advocacy, policy development, supporting essential services for survivors, combating harmful practices, strengthening GBV data, and tackling adverse social norms and gender stereotypes. 

UNFPA Turkmenistan seeks a skilled national consultant to support the production of one high-quality live-action video that will demonstrate gender-based violence, specifically tackling everyday harassment and inappropriate male behaviour towards women and girls. This crucial video will be used during an awareness-raising event to be held on November 25, 2025, marking the start of the International campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.” This campaign is launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and continues until December 10, Human Rights Day. Following the event, the video will be widely circulated on social media platforms through UNFPA’s official accounts. 

Scope of work:

(Description of services, activities, or outputs)

Videographing - 16 working days: 

The video must be engaging, informative, and culturally relevant to enhance public understanding and promote advocacy, particularly around gender equality and the right to live free from violence. It will adopt a compelling narrative style, which focuses on developing fictionalized stories with clear characters to foster emotional connection and viewer empathy. The video will clearly define GBV, highlight its risks and impact, and encourage proactive measures for prevention and support.

Video Production Details:

• Pre-production:
  • Based on consultation and in close collaboration with the Communications Analyst and UNFPA team, participate in the development and finalization of the video script.
  • Select and provide the actors/interviewees and appropriate settings/locations for filming.
  • Provide all necessary high-quality professional video cameras, lighting, and audio equipment.
• Production:
  • Film the video  for a maximum of 5 minutes, ensuring high-definition quality and clear audio recording in Turkmen.
  • Prepare and integrate necessary graphics, titles, and visual aids.
  • Review and address all UNFPA team comments and suggestions during the editing process.
• Post-Production:
  • Finalize the product for optimal viewing on social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) and high-resolution demonstrations.
  • Convert the video to different required formats (e.g., MP4 H.264 and web-optimized versions).
  • Deliver the final video in Turkmen with English and Russian subtitles.

Duration and working schedule:

30 October - 28 November, 2025 including operational closure of the contract; the contract duration is 16 working days with the following proposed breakdown: 

• Pre-Production (3 days): Finalization of script, securing locations/actors, storyboarding, and shot list development.
• Production (4 days): Filming, recording audio, and initial scene capture.
• Post-Production (7 days): Editing, mixing, English subtitles.
• Final Review/Delivery (2 days): Addressing final comments and optimization for different platforms.

Place where services are to be delivered:

Primarily home-based for editing, with required on-site filming within Ashgabat and its close surrounding areas.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Deliverable: Final video on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by November 28, 2025.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

• Regular communication and updates with the UNFPA Communications Analyst and relevant program staff.
• Submission of draft materials for feedback and approval.
• Final delivery of high-quality video files in agreed-upon formats.

Supervisory arrangements: 

The consultant will be under the overall guidance of UNFPA Communications Analyst

Expected travel:

No travel is expected 

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

Qualifications and Education

• Qualifications and Education: Completed secondary education. Specialized courses in video production, documentary filmmaking, videography, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Media Production, or a related visual communication field is a significant advantage.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in video production, including filming, interviewing, and editing live-action footage, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work, particularly in creating advocacy or educational content.
• Demonstrated Experience: Proven experience in creating educational or advocacy-focused live-action videos, especially those involving interviews and human-interest stories. Experience in conveying complex information through engaging visuals for diverse audiences. Proficiency in operating professional video cameras, lighting, and audio recording equipment for interviews.
• Cultural Understanding: Excellent understanding of the Turkmen context and cultural sensitivities, demonstrated through previous work.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in Turkmen and Russian. Working knowledge of English is an advantage.
• Skills: Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental entities. Proficiency in relevant video editing software and techniques. 

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:

UNFPA will provide the consultant with available materials, data, and information. The consultant is expected to conduct additional research through desk reviews, consultations with UNFPA staff, and other relevant sources to identify further information.

The consultancy fee will be calculated based on GS-7 level of UN Salary Scale effective 1 November 2020 and will be paid in a lump sum upon the successful completion of all deliverables.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.